Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-11

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

 

The diagram below shows how a biofuel called ethanol is produced.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Student answer (Band 7.0)

The diagram illustrates the production of a biofuel called ethanol.

Overall, the cycle begins with the growth of plants and trees using sunlight and carbon dioxide and ends with the production of ethanol. The ethanol is then used as a fuel in various modes of transport, which release carbon dioxide that is subsequently absorbed by plants, completing the cycle.

Initially, plants and trees grow through photosynthesis, using sunlight and carbon dioxide (CO2). Afterwards, the trees are harvested an sent for pre-processing, during which the cellulose is produced. The cellulose then undergoes further processing to create sugars. Subsequently, microbes are added to the sugars, which are then converted into ethanol.

Finally, the ethanol produced can be used as a fuel for various modes of transport, including cars, trucks and airplanes. These forms of transport release carbon dioxide, which is then absorbed by the plants and trees at the beginning of the cycle. In this way, the carbon dioxide is recycled, allowing the process to continue and creating a continuous cycle of ethanol production.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response successfully identifies the main features of the ethanol production process. You have clearly outlined the stages from the initial growth of plants to the final consumption and recycling of carbon dioxide. The overview is effective, capturing the cyclical nature of the process. All key stages, including photosynthesis, harvesting, pre-processing, sugar conversion, and fermentation, are mentioned. The information is accurate and logically presented, fulfilling the requirements of the task well. To reach a higher band, you could focus on integrating more specific details from the diagram, such as mentioning the specific inputs or outputs at each stage, to provide a more comprehensive summary.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is well-organized with a clear logical progression. You have used a variety of cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'Afterwards', 'Subsequently', and 'Finally' to guide the reader through the stages of the process. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the introduction, the process description, and the conclusion. The referencing is clear, and the flow of ideas is smooth. The connection between the production of ethanol and the environmental impact is well-integrated, ensuring the reader understands the cyclical nature of the diagram. The structure is coherent and easy to follow throughout.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, including terms like 'photosynthesis', 'cellulose', 'microbes', and 'fermentation' (implied by 'converted into ethanol'). The language is precise and appropriate for a technical description. There is a minor spelling error ('an' instead of 'and'), but this does not impede communication. To improve, you could incorporate more sophisticated collocations or synonyms to describe the stages of the process, such as 'transforming' instead of 'converted' or 'facilitating' instead of 'allowing'. Overall, the lexical range is adequate and used with a good level of control.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The response demonstrates a good command of grammatical structures. You have used a mix of simple and complex sentences effectively, such as 'The ethanol is then used as a fuel in various modes of transport, which release carbon dioxide that is subsequently absorbed by plants'. The use of passive voice is appropriate for describing a process. There is one minor error ('an sent' instead of 'and sent'), but the majority of sentences are error-free. The punctuation is generally accurate, and the overall grammatical control is strong, supporting clear communication of the technical information.

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